What does the phrasal verb “pass back” mean?

What are the definitions of “pass back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Return.

  I felt awful when the teacher started to PASS BACK the exam papers.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass back”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass back is to return something to its original place or to the person who gave it. For example, it can mean giving a borrowed item back to its owner or returning a test paper to a student.

What are the different verb forms of “pass back”?

Root Verb	pass back
Third Person Singular Present	passes back
Present Participle	passing back
Simple Past	passed back
Past Participle	passed back

Example

Please pass back the book when you're done reading it.

Example

She passes back the pen after using it.

Example

He is passing back the papers to the students.

Example

Yesterday, they passed back the assignments to the class.

Example

The borrowed tools were passed back to the neighbor.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pass back”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“pass back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She passed back the book to the librarian.

Example

He passed the ball back to his teammate.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“pass back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She passed back the book to the librarian.

Example

He passed the ball back to his teammate.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass back”?

Pass back and forth

To move something or someone repeatedly between two or more people or places.

Example

The students passed the note back and forth during class.

Pass the buck

To shift responsibility or blame to someone else.

Example

He always tries to pass the buck when things go wrong.

Pass the time

To occupy oneself with an activity or engage in something to make time go by more quickly.

Example

I like to read books to pass the time on long flights.

Good things to know

Does “pass back” have an informal or formal tone?

Pass back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a classroom or a business meeting.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pass back”?

Synonyms

• return
• restore
• revert
• give back
• hand back
• send back

Antonyms

• take
• keep
• hold
• retain
• borrow
• accept